Love rat Lee Ryan faces stab plot

In chilling online posts, sick trolls vowed to stab the pop hunk on his eviction from the telly house.

Lee's management team contacted police over the threatening messages, fearing a genuine attack would happen.

Security will be beefed up at Elstree Studios, Herts, on eviction nights to prevent a live situation.

Lee, 30, became a hate figure among viewers after flings with rival babes Casey Batchelor, 29, and Jasmine Waltz, 31, on the Channel 5 show.

The backlash from fans began when he enjoyed a string of romps with Casey, then dumped her for US star Jasmine.

One vile message read: "You say you like damaged girls - I'm going to damage you when you come out of the house #stabyou #damage."

Another twisted post said: "I'll be waiting on the outside for you #stabyou."

A source close to Lee last night told the Daily Star Sunday: "The threats are too serious to ignore.

"It's terrifying to think people are prepared to go that far.

"Lee was expecting some viewers not to like him but it is getting too extreme.

"He's not perfect but he doesn't deserve threats like this."

Lee's management initially contacted the police last Wednesday after the first threat was made but there have been more since.

“He's not perfect but he doesn't deserve threats like this”

A source close to Lee Ryan

Our insider added: "Threats of stabbing are incredibly worrying for everyone who works with Lee and for his friends and family.

"His team wanted to flag it up with police so it can be dealt with appropriately." Lee returned to the house on Friday night after two days locked in the "bolt-hole" as part of a CBB twist.

The earliest he could leave the series is during Wednesday's eviction, when he is likely to get a negative reaction from the crowd.

A show source said: "Security will be extra tight. Whenever a housemate is hated this much, every measure possible is taken to make sure they are safe.

"For all we know someone who will be in the crowd could be plotting to stab him when he leaves. We can't risk that happening."

Lee's Blue bandmates Duncan James, 35, and Antony Costa, 32, have been the subject of violent threats in the past, including a bomb threat sent by a Twitter user last year. Police searched their houses but nothing was found.

A source close to the pop band said: "Lee's management has dealt with this kind of thing before and didn't want to let something happen.

"They are prepared to do whatever it takes to keep Lee safe and stop the sick people sending threats."